Some say there’s no better time for hiking trails than during autumn. The colours on display across Highland forestry and the beginnings of snow-capped Munros make this coming season a special time of year to get out there and get walking before the gluttony of the Christmas season arrives!
Here is a collection of trails for inspiration at varying difficulty. Just make sure to bring your waterproofs!
Loch Morlich Loop
How about a circular 4-mile loop around Britain’s highest beach?
That’s what you’ll get in Loch Morlich, situated in Glenmore Forest in Cairngorms National Park.
Brightly coloured sand, towering pine trees and views across the Cairngorm ski resort, this is the perfect example of a rewarding walk where no big climbs are required, nor are logistics needed to return to your car.
West Highland Way: Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
The 96-mile West Highland Way is one of the most iconic walks across all of the British Isles.
Such a feat means doing the whole walk can take a good week or so but why not dip your toes into the great trail by doing this beginner-friendly section?
During autumn, this 6.5 easy ramble from the village of Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy follows an old military road alongside the railway line that leads to Fort William.
It will take you just under 3 hours with no major inclines and the views across the Grampian Mountains will make you wonder whether perhaps you want to walk the whole West Highland Way after all!
Ben A’an, Trossachs National Park
Further south, Scotland’s first national park, the Trossachs, is an outstanding area to visit during autumn because of the dazzling hues of orange that it puts on display during this time of year.
Ben A’an is a popular hike and goes by the adorable name: mountain in miniature. That doesn’t mean you won’t be rewarded with outstanding views when you reach the top though. This 2-4 hour hike will take you to the summit of one of the best viewpoints in the area overlooking the Trossachs where you’ll see stunning lochs such as Loch Katrine and Loch Achray.
Since Ben A’an is a relatively moderate hike, it gets extremely popular so try and head there early to snag a parking space!
Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glencoe
If you want to get serious about hiking in Scotland, then you need to start targeting Munros. Munros are mountains in Scotland with an altitude higher than 3,000 ft and there are 282 of them in total with Ben Nevis being the highest.
Many who want to start their Munro bucket list vouch for the beautiful Buachaille Etive Mòr. Situated in Glencoe, Buachaille Etive Mòr is a challenging hike which will see you climb 3,400 ft.
On a clear day, such a strenuous climb will reward you with Highland panoramic views over Rannoch Moor and Aonach Eagach Ridge.
For Experienced Hikers: The Ring of Steall, Glen Nevis
For those who want to step it up a level hiking the Highlands this autumn, The Ring of Steall is an exhilarating challenge which will see you traversing across four munros. This 10-mile hike will take between 9 and 12 hours traversing across narrow rocky arêtes, taking in An Gearanach, Stob Choire a Chàirn, Am Bodach, and then across Devils Ridge to Sgùrr a’Mhaim.
With waterfalls (including the second highest in Scotland), steep valleys, and rolling green meadows, this demanding Munro hike will award participants with outstanding views across this beautiful part of the Highlands.
It’s worth noting that dogs are generally not allowed on this trail. This is a difficult route with steep drops and high passes, so get your smaller Munros in first!
What are some of your favourite autumn walks in the Highlands?
Let us know in the comments below!
